Register with email

Login

Increase your reputation by posting useful answers to people's questions and earning positive votes from trusted members of the community.

Camu-Camu Berries: History, Gastronomical Uses and Nutrition

Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is the edible fruit of a tropical lowland tree that is native to central and western regions of the Amazon Basin. This tropical fruit of the Myrtle family, related to feijoa, jaboticaba and clove, makes a tasty, slightly sour, juice that is packed with vitamin C. In fact, camu camu contains more vitamin C than any other plant; up to 30 times more than any citrus fruit.

Camu-camu fruits are small, about the size of a cherry or large grape. They are green when unripe, turning a reddish purple and eventually red when mature. The camu-camu tree, which could be described as a large bush, grows from about 6-25ft in height and is found on flood plain or swamps, particularly by oxbow lakes. Originally wild camu-camu trees were most plentiful near the drainage areas of the Xingu River (an Amazon tributary in Northern Brazil) and the Napo River in Ecuador. The Peruvian Amazon now has the largest variety of species due to propagation. This fruit is know as cacari or camu camu in Brazil and Peru, guayabo in Colombia and guayabato in Venezuela.

Camu-camu berries have been utilized and valued by Amazonian Indians for hundreds of years. Aside from an easily transportable nutritious food source, the berries, which are rich in phytochemicals, were used to treat infections, as a pain reliever, and to promote long life. Traditionally, a poultice was made of the camu camu tree bark and placed on wounds to prevent infection. Tree bark was also used in a decoction to treat rheumatism.

The importance of camu-camu as a source of natural vitamin C for South American urban populations and for export wasn’t recognized until the early 1990's, at which time the fruit became a viable commercial agroforestry crop. One of the first nurseries was opened near km 100 of the Manaus-Itacoatiara highway in Brazil. Later a 500 hectare plantation was established near Sao Paulo, which used drip irrigation. In 1996 the Peruvian Government launched an environmentally friendly project when, as part of reforestation programs, it began planting seedlings. The intention was that a successful export market would help raise incomes of local people and decrease poverty. Harvesting camu-camu, which takes place between November and March, in the wild is a slow and difficult process because the terrain is flooded and often a good percent of the fruit trees are underwater. Farmers use canoes to access and harvest the fruit trees in the swamps.

In recent years it was thought that camu camu would have a big impact on export markets particularly to Europe, the USA and Japan. However the idea has been slow to come to fruition, partly because many rural farmers could not obtain loans to expand into the lucrative camu-camu crop market. Another factor is that the locations where camu-camu is harvested are remote, and far from the necessary facilities needed to process the fruit.

Since it began, the cultivation of camu-camu has raised a number of environmental concerns, the most pressing of which is the deforestation of the Amazon flood plains. Also the displacement of plant species in areas where camu-camu did not previously exist and the spread of disease and pests. As a non-timber forest crop camu-camu is seen as a positive alternative and up until now, at least, the harvesting of wild camu-camu dose not seem to have had a detrimental effect on the environment. This tropical fruit is also a vital source of food for fish in flooded areas of the forest.

Gastronomical Uses: fresh camu camu has a tart, or somewhat sour flavor when mature caused by the high concentration of ascorbic acid. Camu camu is sold fresh in the markets of Iquitos, Manaus, and other Amazonian cities and towns. The fruit is usually eaten raw, squeezed to make juice, as are many other tropical fruits, and also made into a very popular ice cream. In Japan camu camu is used as a flavoring for popular chewy candies such as camu camu sakura saku, and the American cherry and camu camu candy bar.

Nutritional Value: in recent years camu camu has been labeled as a 'superfood,' with claims that the tiny red berries can, amongst other things, relieve infertility in men, promote fertility in women, cure herpes and help relieve Parkinson’s and Crohn's disease. While there is some evidence to support medicinal benefits, there is still not enough clinical data to affirm that camu camu berries can be used to treat or prevent any medical condition. That said, camu camu is exceptionally high in ascorbic acid or vitamin C; the amount varies from 845-2994mg/per 100g, which is staggeringly high when compared to oranges at 54mg/per 100 serving. Such high levels of natural vitamin C boosts the immune system, thereby helping to fight off viral infections. Some might think the same result could be achieved with large doses of synthetic vitamin C, which cost considerably less than concentrated camu camu powder. Yet, studies suggest that it is the combination of hundreds of natural compounds found in camu camu, including bioflavonoids, that have such a potent beneficial effect on the body; although we still don't yet fully understand the effects of many of these componds.

The biological actions of camu camu include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-depressant and anti-viral. Camu camu is a source of the phytochemicals beta-carotene, calcium, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin, thiamin, valine, d-limonone, alpha-pinene, leucine and serine. Camu camu has a higher concentration of phytochemicals than any other fruit including blueberries, grapes or strawberries.The bioflavonoids in camu camu, which include anthocyanins, (also found in blueberries) can help lower cholesterol, high blood pressure and neutralize harmful free radicals, which contribute to chronic diseases.

Related articles

How much do you know about food and nutrition? See how much you know about juices, animal products, vitamins, chocolates, and more…
Enjoy and answer as many of the sixteen questions related to the food and nutrition as you can. When you are done, scroll down to the bottom of the pag...

Coconut trees are very useful because they have various parts which can be utilized for various purposes. This article provides useful information about the parts of coconut tree and its uses. In fact, its fruit alone has many uses in the field medicine and cosmetics. There have been numerous studie...

Guyabano tree or Soursop (Anona Muricata) is a fruit bearing tree popular in the Philippines and other nearby countries. It produces a spiky, fleshy and fibrous fruit which is very effective in the cure of many health conditions. Some studies have proven its benefits in curing cancer, diabetes and o...

Malunggay (Moringa Oliefera) is one of most common and popular backyard plants in many areas of Philippines, India and Africa; malunggay is the term used for moringa oliefera in the Philippines. These 3 countries have tropical climates which are suitable for cultivating Malunggay trees. In fact, mal...

There are several methods in preserving fish. Fish preservation involves Chilling and Freezing, Salting, Fermentation, Drying and Dehydration, Smoking, Pickling and Spicing, and Canning.
There is one thing first to consider, make sure that the fish that is going to be preserve is new and still fres...

For tens of millions of Americans, bratwurst is a favorite food. Sometimes referred to as "Midwestern soul food," the bratwurst is a German sausage named for the way it is cooked. Traditionally, these sausages are to be "braten," or simmered (never boiled) in water or beer.
No...

Rice is the edible grain from a plant also called Rice. Scientifically, Rice is an annual grass in the grass family, Poaceae. Asian rice is classified as Oryza sativa and African rice as Oryza glaberrima. Rice is the primary food for more than half the people in the world. In many regions it is eate...

Breakfast - the most important meal of the day. Don't skip it, they say. But what if you can't help it? What if you simply can't afford breakfast foods anymore?
It was only a few weeks ago that I was patrolling the aisles of my local hypermarket, buying amongst other things breakf...

Did you know that the best fruits against acne, when taken orally, are apple, banana, lemon, pineapple, cherry, strawberry, pear, cantaloupe, grape, and apricot?
The truth is that every individual has a fine skin underneath but not everyone has a pleasant one on the outside, both in terms of health...

When it comes to baking things need to be done pretty perfectly. Measurements need to be right on, and baking times must be followed and baked goods watched while cooking. If you are not an experienced cake baker you may find that you don’t know exactly when the cake is finished baking. Ther...

Mom Made the best pancakes for Us Back in the 50's and 60's, when Food was Real.
You know how they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well turns out they were right. But why? You may ask.
Well I'll tell you. You just have to know how to make it. I am going to share with you the v...

It is probable that soup in its earliest form was a complete meal, because it was found hearty, nourishing, economical and wholesome. Being a liquid it is absorbed quite easily and is utilized very quickly by the body. Here are the list of the best and popular international soups, eaten widely known...

Solid alcohol is a product many of us are familiar with under its trade name Sterno® that is used for cooking in the great outdoors or to heat chafing dishes for keeping food ingredients warm. The makers of solid alcohol obviously do not want their customers to know how this stuff is made, but i...

It's not very often that I eat dinner at a restaurant and immediately feel compelled to run home and re-create something from my dining experience. In fact, I don't think that has ever happened, but they say there is a first time for everything. A few weeks ago, while I was visiting my family in Ten...

i bet you thought the U.S. Department of Agriculture was only interested in farming and farmers. Perhaps today, but back in the 1920s, the Department's Bureau of Home Economics created a wife for Uncle Sam (Aunt Sammy) who would take to the radio to talk about food, cooking, and anything else that p...

Fruits and vegetables are source of vitamins and minerals and an important part of our food. The more colourful a food preparation is, it is appetizing as well, but there is another way of decorating the food, which is called 'fruit/vegetable carving'.
The purpose of fruit and vegetable carving is ...

Breadings and batters are often used to coat foods that may be fried, such as vegetables (fried zucchini, fried mushrooms, onion rings, etc), seafood and meats (fish, shrimp, pork chops, chicken, etc), and even cheeses and other things (mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, etc). How do you know whet...

Foods that smell good are the most popular in the world. Like for instance, the world’s most favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla because of its cool and enticing smell and fragrance. There are some foods that really smell bad but people seem to enjoy and love them. For others, smelly foods ar...

What is your typical grocery shopping experience?
Is it anything like some of mine? I don't know how many times I've gone shopping, armed with a list that I hastily scratched on the back of an envelope, bought my groceries, and got back home only to find I missed some imp...

Salicornia, also known as glasswort, marsh samphire and sea bean isn't a type of seaweed, but a perennial plant that grows along the coastlines of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and feeds on salt water. The main difference between salicornia and seaweed is that salicornia grows just below the ...

If you look at the Red Velvet Cupcakes pictured below, one thing pops out at you: the rich cream cheese frosting. There is about the same amount of cream cheese frosting atop these red velvet cupcakes as there is cupcake, itself. And for diabetics, that spells danger, with a capital D! There's more ...

Do not be alarmed at the picture above, it is only a deep fried Mars Bar. Below you will find a list of Scottish food, some taste better than they sound; some really do sound as if they would taste really bad.
Aberdeen Angus: Scottish breed of beef cattle that has internationally renowned for its q...

“Any fruit containing sufficient sugar to taste may be used for making wine. If sugar is lacking in the fruit, cane sugar may be added. The flavor which the wine acquires depends largely on the kind of fruit used.”
Banana Wine
1. Cut the peeled bananas into halves. For every kilo of...

I am sure that you will agree with me that at some point in our lives, all of us manage to cook an awfully salty dish. Adding too much salt while cooking is a very common mistake. Sometimes the salt just rushes out of the container too fast, and other times food becomes over salty because of th...

These street cold fruit drinks are usually sold using plastic cups or plastic bags with sipping plastic straw. Here are some of the most popular street drinks in the Philippines.
Assorted Palamig
Image Source
Orange Juice
Several local types of “palamigs” are sold in th...

Talk about comfort foods, this is one of my family’s favorite soups and rarely are there any leftovers. My kids like to serve this over their cornbread and biscuits with grated sharp cheddar cheese or sour cream.
Legumes are the most versatile and nutritious foods to aid you in your quest for...

Doctors all over the world accept the importance of salt for good health and life. The medical experts make use of it in dietary therapy to treat or prevent health problems. Saline solution is used in hospital emergency rooms.
Salt: Health Benefits
Sodium is an important chemical element in salt, ...

Bolivia has a diversity of geographical zones with varied climate, culture and food. Bolivian cuisine has a great variety of dishes mainly meat, fish and poultry blended with herbs and spices. The diet also consists of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Some traditional dishes include 'Majao', which is ...

Chocolate Mug Cake
This chocolate mug cake is really easy to make, it can be made in a matter of minutes. The recipe is made in the microwave in around 3 minutes and contains no egg, so their is no concerns about under cooking. As you can see from the image, the cake was eaten almost as fast as it ...

My father-in-law loves fast food. Over the years, however, I’ve realized that what he really likes is the predictability of the food. Take him into a mom and pop café in a strange town and he’ll immediately scan the menu for something that looks familiar. When he fails to find any...

Banana flower, also known as banana blossom or heart, is the splendid looking male, sterile flower of the banana plant. The banana plant is the largest of the herbaceous plants and its flowers are large, pointed and often a crimson color, although some varieties are yellow, and others are ...

The blue or purple potato, botanical name Solanum andigenum, is one of many potato varieties that originate from the Andean valleys of Peru, and in particular the region surrounding Lake Titicaca. Potatoes have been cultivated in Peru and Bolivia for over 6000 years. They were a major food source fo...

Papaya is a tropical fruit and grows mainly where the weather conditions are tropical. Papaya, also known as Carica papaya, looks like long melons. Papaya can be consumed raw as well as in ripen condition. It is a delicious fruit packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber with only a few calories and ...

Here are the most common Asian noodles you're likely to see in stores or on menus. When shopping, remember that dried noodles will keep indefinitely; fresh ones can be refrigerated two to three days.
Egg Noodles - made from wheat flour and egg.
Varieties include dan mian and hokkien mee (China), b...

THE MYTH AND FACTS ABOUT LANZONES
Lanzones or Lansium domesticum is a species of fruit-bearing tree belonging to the family Meliaceae. The plant has pinnate compound leaves that grow to a length of around twenty to fifty centimeters long per leaf. Each fully-grown leaf has five to seven sli...

It's that time of the year again where many families with kids sports seasons are in full swing. It is hard to cook dinner and eat as a family when there are mid week games and practices. This is the time of year when having a crock pot is very practical. When you prepare your meal...

Pastillas de leche are sweet milk candies that are usually served for dessert. They are very easy to serve because you don't need to cook to make pastillas. What we have is a no-cook fast and simple dessert recipe intended to gratify your cravings right away. Also, cooking or heating any recipe is n...

There are studies that support theories of soy causing negative health effects as well as studies that show little to no link between soy and health problems. However, it's important to keep in mind that these effects would only occur after eating large amounts of soy on a regular basis.
...

Image Source
Huckleberries are not grown commercially and may not be available at your local grocer. The best place to find them is at your farmer's and they will be expensive or you can purchase them online. If you have never tasted a huckleberry it has a similar taste to the blueberry....

Ipomoea aquatica is know as morning glory or water spinach in English and ong choy in Chinese. It is an aquatic plant that grows wild beside waterways and fresh water swamps in many of the world’s tropical and sub-tropical regions. Water spinach is from the Convolvulaceae botanical family and ...

Jewish Foods notes on its website that chopped liver is a popular dish in Jewish cuisine. Chopped liver recipes use chicken or calves’ liver and the resulting spread is served with crackers or rye bread. Jewish Recipes suggests that chopped liver is an acquired taste and when served at meals i...

Bread is a fundamental part of the dining culture of India; in much the same way as it is in the European countries. There are various types of Indian breads found in the Indian cuisine which are cooked in different ways. Each differs from the other in shape and size, in the ingredients used, and of...

Saffron
It is said that in ancient and mediaeval times saffron was worth its weight of gold. Even in today’s time saffron remains much expensive and easily earns the tag of world’s most expensive spice. A pound of fine quality saffron may cost up to US$5,000 in international market.
...

This is the best time of year to buy both apples and sweet potatoes and pork pairs really well with both of them. If you have a pressure cooker you could be eating this complete meal in no time. When cooking pork in a pressure cooker keep in mind that the pork will need to cook for 15 mi...

If you've decided to get more creative and adventurous in the kitchen, but all you have are the basic kitchen tools you left home with, you might ask yourself, " What's the next step?" Before deciding which fancy new kitchen tools you might want to add to your arsenal, first you'll need to con...

Nearly all Yemeni Jews now live in Israel, with only a few hundred still living in The Yemen, and others scattered around the world. The Israeli Yemeni traditions are very distinct in all areas of their lives, in their prayer, language, dress and their food. Their traditional foods consist of Yemeni...

I have always been a good girl and eaten my vegetables. I love them. But my husband is a bit restricted in this area. When I met him, he like broccoli. Period. Not much variety do you think? Well I have been married to him 25 years this May and we are making progress.
He has a much wider range no...

What is not in doubt is that the dessert was named in honour of the Russian ballet dancer of the 1920’s Anna Pavlova. She toured both countries during her period of fame with both claiming to have created the now famous dish.
Researchers claim that the country that made the original dessert w...

Fried Foods – Coatings for Fried Foods
While it is possible to fry foods without a coating, potatoes for instance-this does not always result in the crispy golden morsels, cooked throughout but not greasy, that a good coating helps to achieve. The pieces of food can be rolled one at a time in...